Franklin Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Franklin Lake Dam, located in West Point, Mississippi, is a private-owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1998 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam with a buttress core stands at a height of 11 feet and spans 600 feet in length. The dam has a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 36 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 12.3 acres and serving a drainage area of 0.27 square miles.

Managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Franklin Lake Dam is state-regulated and regularly inspected for safety and compliance. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently not rated, and no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) has been prepared to guide response in case of emergencies. Overall, Franklin Lake Dam offers recreational opportunities while posing moderate risks that warrant ongoing monitoring and risk management measures.

This dam, associated with the Upper Cane Creek, falls under the jurisdiction of the Vicksburg District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. While it provides a source of recreation for the local community, ongoing assessment and management are crucial to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure and the surrounding environment. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Franklin Lake Dam a fascinating case study in dam engineering, maintenance, and risk assessment within the context of sustainable water resource management.

Year Completed

1998

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

UNT OF CANE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12.3

Drainage Area

0.27

Nid Storage

84

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

11
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.